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2023 Haudenosaunee Nationals Women Team 2024 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back The Haudenosaunee won the women’s competition at the 2023 PALA Sixes Cup in Kingston, Jamaica. The Haudenosaunee were dominant in the tournament and defeated previously unbeaten Puerto Rico 22-11 in the gold medal game. The Haudenosaunee finished with a 5-0 record and won by at least 11 goals in every game. Back row left to right: Bean Minerd, Onondaga; Paige Crandall, Onondaga; Tallis Tarbell, Mohawk; Lois Garlow, Seneca; Jalyn Jimerson, Cayuga; Allie Trice, Oneida; Fawn Porter, Cayuga; Liz Beville; and Tim Bomberry, Cayuga. Front row left to right: Paisley Cook, Mohawk; Sierra Cockerille, Mohawk; Avery Doran, Mohawk; Jordan Coulon, Onondaga; Olivia Hoffmann, Mohawk; and Lottie Gill, Tuscarora.

< Back Niki Gashing Goodwin Niki Gashing Goodwin White Earth Nation Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 Niki Gashing Goodwin, an enrolled member of White Earth Nation, has been gifted the journey of being a professional athlete. He was born in Bagley, MN and grew up on and near Ojibwe country. His parents, Duane and Theresa Goodwin, are Native artists who still live in that area. Through his family connections and longtime relationship with horses, Nik’s passion was in the horse racing industry. At a very young age he developed the dream to be a professional horse jockey. In 1991 he started riding races in Barnum, MN, recording his first victory in the 100th running of the Carlton County Derby. From this point in his journey, he never looked back. His confidence that he would succeed in this career path allowed him to pass up a full ride academic scholarship at Bemidji State University. He started his professional career in Winnipeg, Manitoba in August of 1993 when he was just 16. By his senior year in high school he had a professional career started and still graduated with honors. Nik won his first professional race in his 13th start on his father's horse Moidore. After that race he quickly won more races and his career was under way leading him to California. Nik’s nationwide racehorse career was just beginning. Nik received the opportunity to ride at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, which is one of the premier horse racing tracks in the country. He spent a short time there riding with hall of fame jockeys and learning a lot about his career. Early in 1995, he moved his riding business to Maryland. In Maryland and surrounding tracks, he excelled and became a top rider for years in an extremely competitive mid-Atlantic racing circuit. Since then his riding career has taken him to many places around the United States. Nik has recorded over 1000 thoroughbred wins and multiple quarter horse leading rider titles in a career that has expanded over three decades. He has become the all-time leading quarter horse rider at Canterbury Park in Shakopee Minnesota. Nik spends the winter months now in Florida where he helps get young racehorses ready for their careers. His work was an important part in the development of champion and Kentucky Derby winner, Nyquist, along with Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. Other great horses that he worked with have been Nadal, Dortmund, Palace Malace, and Competitive Edge. Now in his mid-forty’s Nik rides a little less and dedicates the rest of his time to his family. He lives in Ocala, Florida with his wife and three boys. Even though he is at the sunset of his career he still enjoys riding and is looking for the next champion. Photo Credits: Coady Photography and Heather R. Grevelis <Back

< Back Donny Belcourt Donny Belcourt Chippewa Cree Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 Donald “Donny” Belcourt attended high school in Billings, Montana and was part of a State Championship Cross Country team at Billings Senior High School. While in high school, Donny was also an amateur boxer and was a Montana State Golden Gloves Champion at 112 lbs. and was named Outstanding Fighter. Donny decided to focus on running and went to Haskell Indian Junior College, while under the tutelage of two legendary coaches, Coach Gerald Tuckwin and Coach Michael Daney. Donny became a three-time All American while competing in Indoor Track, 2 mile, Outdoor Track, 3000 meter Steeplechase, and Marathon, and led his team to a National Championship in the Marathon. Oklahoma State University and Coach Dick Weis gave Donny his next post-high school opportunity with a full ride track scholarship. At OSU, Donny was an All Conference and All Regional runner in Cross Country. Donny was able to really hit his stride post collegiately and in 1991 he represented the Western United States at the US Olympic Festival at 5000 meters. In 1992 he qualified for the US Olympic Trials at 1500 meters with a time of 3 minutes 41.3 seconds and 5000 meters in 13 minutes 46.2 seconds. Donny also qualified for the 1996 Olympic Trials at 1500 meters. The times Donny ran at 1500 meters and 5000 meters made him one of the fastest Natives to ever race these distances. Mesa, Arizona is where he currently calls home with his wife Jo Belcourt and their children Brett and Jocelynn Belcourt. <Back

The North Americans Team/Builders 2025 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back The North Americans were a men’s major fast pitch team comprised of Indigenous players from the US and Canada. From 1989 to 1997, they traveled North America playing in softball tournaments, while establishing the “Straight Arrow” Program. The program was conceptualized and promoted to encourage Native peoples to say NO to drugs and alcohol. Each tournament coincided with speaking engagements at local community halls, schools, and correctional facilities to speak of the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The 1993-1994 season proved to be a banner year for the North Americans as they were crowned All-Indian Fast Pitch Tournament National Champions and qualified for the 1993 International Softball Congress (ISC) World Fast Pitch Tournament as the only all-Native team to qualify at Kimberly, Wisconsin and 1994 Prince Edward Island, Canada Tournament that had teams from the US, Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand. At the 1993 ISC World Tournament, they finished 33rd in the world. During the leadup to the 1994 ISC World Tournament, they won seven games at the 1993 41st All-Indian Men’s Fast Pitch National Tournament in Oklahoma City, OK to capture their third straight national title becoming the first team to do so. Needing to win a qualifying tournament for the 1994 ISC World Tournament, the team traveled to Montgomery, Alabama to play in the Blue-Gray Invitational, which had 34 teams vying for one qualifying spot. Going undefeated and winning six games, they qualified for their second ever ISC World Tournament. At the 1994 ISC World Tournament, they finished 47th in the world and made it back in 1995 in Sioux City, Iowa finishing 17th, 33rd in 1996 in Kimberly, Wisconsin, and 33rd in 1997 in Victoria, British Colombia. The 1993-94 roster included JoJo Barnett, Creek Nation; William (Bill) Berry, Apache; Ken Billingsley, Hunkpapa Lakota; Rich Brewer, Oglala Sioux; Mike Henson, Comanche; Frank La Mere (Coach & Manager), Winnebago; Mark Lunderman, Rosebud Sioux; Tuffy Lunderman, Rosebud Sioux; Jim McClung, Comanche; Darwin "Flip"; Snyder, Winnebago; Eric Tiger, Creek Nation; Tony Valladolid, Winnebago; Mike Joseph, Iroquois; Earl LaForte, Ojibway; Lyle Normand, Cree; and Wayne "Windy"; Ward, Choctaw.

IIJL WORLD U16 LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIP (WU16LC) 2021 Gold Medal: Haudenosaunee Team 2026 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back Roster Chaz Hill, Chaz Norton, Darris Jones, Jibby Watkins, Joaquin Gatt, Kaleyn Racette-Monture, Kariwanoro Squire, Katinóntie Bear Martin, Kayden Hearn, Keaton Sandy, Kenny Porter, Mannox Jamieson, Moagi Buffalo, Nate Doxtator, Rakawineh Elijah, Ryder Sunday, Shako Rice, Tahalihwakothe Lazore, Taka Thompson, Tayoni Galente, Tonton VanDommelen, Tyson General, Warren Cook

< Back Edison Eskeets Edison Eskeets Navajo Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete/Builder 2023 Edison Eskeets is an enrolled member of the Navajo Tribal Nation. He attended and received diplomas from Haskell Indian Junior College, Kansas, and Bradley University, Illinois. A First Team All-American Runner, invested in Native traditional education composed with the mainstream educational school system at large. Edison taught at the Orme School, an international school, and the Native American Preparatory School serving in the following capacities: Chair of the Fine Arts, Teaching the Arts and Humanities, Coaching Track & Field and Cross Country, Academic Dean, Associate Head of School, Head of School. In addition, he served as the Executive Director on behalf of Wings of America, serving Native youth programs throughout Indian Country. Edison made every effort in making a difference within Native communities and went beyond boundaries: fundraising, grant writing, lectures, presentation of Native Arts, collaborating programs with colleges/communities, and seeking funds from government, foundations, corporations, individual donors, state funds, and tribal funds. It is vital to maintain the goodness of all indigenous societies including culture, language, ceremonies, food, and underscoring the history of the Americas, from Chile to Alaska. At one time, there were over 80 million indigenous population in the Americas and today’s count is almost 6 million. Therefore, Education, Athletics, Native programs, Higher Education, Funds, and Leadership must be nurtured. His final employment was under the Hubbell Trading Post at Ganado, Arizona operated by the Western National Parks Association. He is the first Navajo trader to manage the Hubbell Trading Post, the oldest continuously operating trading post on the Navajo reservation. This environment included education of Native arts: metal smithing, rug weaving, wood carving, painting, pottery, leather works, and trading items with fellow customers. Currently, he is promoting a new book titled “Send a Runner,” a book illustrating the history of the southwest embodied with Native traditional ultra-running. Photo Credits: Joseph Kayne and Fairfield Half Marathon (CT) <Back

< Back Dr. Gregory Redhouse Dr. Gregory Redhouse Diné Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete/Coach 2023 Dr. Gregory Redhouse began competing in collegiate archery tournaments in 1992 while attending Navajo Community College (renamed Diné College). He believes that archery cultivates focus and concentration; improves hand-eye coordination; increases upper body strength; enhances team-building skills; promotes self-confidence; and helps relieve stress. He also acknowledges that his collegiate archery training made him a better marksman while serving in the U.S. Marines. During his first year as Head Archery Coach at Diné College (DC), Redhouse advocated for and recruited more women archers in order to fulfill the Title IX federal compliance in collegiate sports. He also incorporated DC’s first Compound Bow Team to compliment DC’s long-running Olympic-Recurve Bow Team. Between 2001 and 2007, Redhouse produced several State champions, Western Regional Champions, Rookie of the Year honors, and All-American Collegiate Archers. In time, he departed collegiate archery in order to pursue a Ph.D. as well as garnering other teaching opportunities with Navajo Technical University (NTU), Tohono O’odham Community College (TOCC), Pima Community College (PCC), and the University of Arizona (UA). Since August of 2019, Redhouse returned to the Navajo Nation and currently serves as Assistant Professor of Economics within DC’s School of Business and Social Science. Moreover, he will instruct archery courses under DC’s Native American Studies (NAS) minor program. This NAS approach to archery, taught at a tribal college, will allow for students to engage with traditional ways of knowing – where the bow and the arrow will serve as their teachers and their lessons will be built from stories of our Indigenous ancestors. Redhouse currently focuses upon Navajo youth and the next generation of Native American archers by sponsoring the Twin Warriors Archery Club; a Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) program sanctioned by USA Archery, the national governing body for the Olympic Sport of Archery. <Back

< Back Harrison J. Funmaker Harrison J. Funmaker Ho-Chunk Nation Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2025 Harrison Funmaker wanted to be a prize fighter since he was a little boy. His father Bob Funmaker Sr. was his first trainer. Funmaker had his first professional bout in the summer of 1989. He lost a six round split decision in the heavyweight division. His motivation was just beginning to be the best he could be. His next bout was against the same opponent in his debut and he knocked him out in the second round. Funmaker turned pro in Green Bay, WI. Matt Baulie was his trainer/manager in the beginning. Boxing took him around the world including Israel, twice to New Zealand, and to Canada. He fought in three world title fights. He became the World Indian Heavy Weight Champion at Mohican Casino in March of 2003. He was named the Mid-American Champion during the same fight. He was a sparring partner to Tony “TNT” Tubbs and Carlos “King” Molina, the IBF Super Welter Weight World Champion. Funmaker fought Eric “Butterbean” Esch three times and beat him during the third fight. He defeated him in Milwaukee at the US Cellular Arena in 2009. The fight is on YouTube with over 1.3 million views. He was on ESPN in 1990 and was also on ESPN Fight Classics. Fellow 2025 NAIAHF Inductee Lou Askinette trained Funmaker the last half of his career. Funmaker had a 23 year professional career and four decades as a fighter. He won 23 out of 41 fights. Funmaker hopes to inspire young fighters to follow their dreams. Fighting as a pro taught Funmaker many things but the main lesson was to be grateful. He had the opportunity to speak at six schools in the McKinley County School District on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico. He spoke about life as a prize fighter, what is was like to be on the road, in the ring and at home with his six kids. He wishes to share with all young native kids who have dreams they wish to follow, and let them know it can happen and it is all achievable. <Back

< Back Ron Powless Ron Powless Oneida Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2025 Ron Powless was born on March 17, 1931, in Milwaukee Wisconsin and passed away September 9, 2011, in Marietta, GA while enroute to his winter home in Ft. Myers, FL. His father was Merville Powless from the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. His mother, Jesse Snow Powless, was from the Red Lake Chippewa Nation. Ron, the oldest of three brothers, was highly motivated and an athletically talented youth. He played high school football at Morgan Park, Chicago, IL and Washington High School, Milwaukee, WI. His success as a receiver and punter led to his recruitment and scholarship offers. Ron attended Indiana University on an athletic scholarship playing football for the Hoosiers in the Big Ten. Following his time at Indiana, Ron served in the military stationed in Tokyo, Japan, where he was selected to the U.S. Army All-Star football team and played in the first American football game in Tokyo Stadium against the Marine All-Star’s. After his time in the military and playing for the U.S. Army All-Star football team, he continued his education in Mexico City at Mexico City College and later graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Marketing and Economics. Ron’s competitive nature led to successful careers with companies like Xerox and Itek before founding his own corporation, International Data Systems. His success allowed him to contribute to American Indian causes and enjoy homes in Wisconsin and Florida. Ron’s legacy lives on as he had a son and daughter both of whom followed him with successful careers and healthy families. <Back

Anishnabe Iskwewak Team 2025 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back The Anishnabe Iskwewak broomball team was created in 2024 including only indigenous women from Quebec including Cree, Algonquin, and Atikamekw Nation as there are many talented broomball players within the indigenous communities from Quebec. Many of the players have been playing since the age of five years old until their adulthood as there are many tournaments that are held annually in each community. They are creating an image of unity within the indigenous communities from Quebec but also wanted to encourage physical and mental health within our indigenous women as some of the players are mothers. They hope to inspire the youth to continue to pursue their passion for their careers in broomball and there are many opportunities to look forward to even when you are an adult. The jersey logo was created by Angelina Wabanonik, an Algonquin community member from Anishnabe du Lac Simon. The logo was inspired by unity, and friendship. Also, added to the jersey to spread awareness was the little red dress for Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWIG+2SLGBTQI). Anishnabe Iskwewak translated to English is “First Nation Women” although Anishnabe and Iskwewak is spelled in different ways for each language in Algonquin, Cree and Atikamekw it still has the same meaning for First Nation Women. Anishnabe Iskwewak attended the World’s Broomball Championship in Mont-Blanc, France on Oct 21-26, 2024, hosted by the International Federation of Broomball Association (IFBA) for the first time. Each player showed great commitment and dedication in working together to attend the tournament being held far from home, most travelling overseas for the first time. There were many obstacles, but the team was very optimistic even with 13 players. With their hard work and perseverance, the team finished the tournament by winning in overtime against Australia with the final score of 3-2 and winning the bronze medal game. Names on the team photo include the following. Top left: Lyne-Sue Kistabish, Hannah Swallow, Carla Lameboy, Kathleen Kistabish, Leonna Cheezo, Chelsea Kistabish, Katie Napash, and Janelle Stewart. Bottom left: Jessica Kistabish, Alicia WAwatie, Pearl Bearskin, Erika Wabanonik, and Eleanor Coonishish

2017 NIFA Ladies Team Indigenous Canada Team 2023 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back The NIFA Ladies Team Indigenous Canada defended it’s 2015 World Indigenous Games Championship with a second Gold Medal on July 7, 2017 in Maskwacees Cree, Enoch Cree Territories near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The 2017 NIFA Ladies, one of the most talented First Nations Indigenous female players ever assembled for the 2017 tournament. The team were victorious in five games by overpowering all teams to retain and defend their Gold Medal. They defeated Team Saskatchewan 5-0 in the Gold Medal Final. The players maintained on and off field discipline during the World Indigenous Games week which was the key. The staff and coaches worked together to create a strong indigenous spirit in the march towards sporting achievement at a global level. The First Nations Indigenous soccer ladies proved they could be the best in the world again with their second championship. The term ‘WE’ as a team built a strong and successful bond during this sacred journey of these women warriors! The players were remarkable as athletes, and have become role models, positive leaders and are the best examples to be recognized and honored from their families and First Nations communities in Canada. Team Photo: Back Row from left: Harry Rice Kahnawake, Mohawk, Jason Taylor, Namgi, Dano Thorne, Cowichan Tribes - Nez Perce, Taylor Francis, Akwesasne Mohawk, Wynonna Cross Kanasitake, Mohawk, Hannah Yow, Campbell River, Lenasia Ned, Westbank First Nation, Jolene Nagy, Penticton First Nation, Jenna Thompson, Akwesasne Mohawk, Lucas Cooper, and Bill Wasden Sr., Namgis. Middle Row from left: Brittany Harry, Thla'amin First Nation, Iakokwenienstha Porter, Akwesasne Mohawk, Lacey Baker, Squamish Nation, Kura Jack, Penelakut First Nation, Danielle Dawson, Tsawataineuk Kwakuitl Nations, Margaret Badger, Quatsino First Nation, and Taylor James, Penelakut First Nation. Front from left: Alexxa Badger, Devan Williams, Squamish Nation, and Lason Taylor. Missing: Victoria Marchard, Anishnabe Algonquin.